You all were so helpful before with my crating concerns and I'm hoping you can help with this issue as well. I think my dog is having issues with one of ears. I noticed about two weeks ago that she was scratching one year quite a bit. I used a damp paper towel to wipe some grass/dirt out of her ear and realized she had some brown stuff as well, which I assumed was wax, so I wiped what I could see out as well. I called the vet because I was worried, but they basically said that it was likely nothing and if the dog was no longer itching, all was probably fine. Fast forward to tonight, when we realize she is itching quite a bit. We checked and saw quite a bit more of the brown stuff and a few small red bumps. Her other ear is totally clear- no brown stuff, no bumps. Using the complete over kill of the internet, I'm thinking it is ear mites, though many places say it is uncommon for a dog to get mites in only one ear. I'm happy to take her to the vet if I need to, but should I try an ear clearner first? The vet seems to think I am a nervous nelly (ok, I am a nervous nelly), so I think they won't provide much help over the phone. i just don't want to do more harm than good.

Some breeds (poodles, shih tzus, pekes etc) are more prone to having ear wax (brown gunk) buildup that can lead to irritation and infection.

So you'll need some ear drops/medication and ear cleaner solution or wipes, there are several good brands, some contain Pyethrins which will kill ear mites, the one I'm using now is Gold Medal Herbal & Botanical Ear Mite & Tick Control (contains Pyethrins), I have three dogs, one only needs it once a month as a precaution the other two more like once a week, doing it too often could cause irritation.

The directions are on the label, just put 3-4 fat drops in the ear with the dog's head tilted so the solution goes deep down, gently rub the ear, you'll hear the solution swish around, VERY GENTLY insert a Q-tip into the ear canal follow the natural structure, carefully move the Q-tip around and bring up the gunk (this is how I do it, your vet may describe a different way as you have to be very careful not to damage the ear drum), get a new Q-tip and do this a few times until you see no more gunk.

If the dog has hair growth in her ear, that hair needs to be trimmed, there are special small safety scissors you can get at the pet supply store.

If you're squeamish about this, you could take her to a groomer and have them do it while you watch plus they should be able to tell you if she needs the attention of a vet. Petco has supplies and grooming services all in one place and dogs are allowed!

When you do this routinely the stuff won't build up, in fact once under control as long as the Q-tip is coming up clean, you may only need to use one Q-tip or a wipe each time.

PS: They can have mites in one ear, eventually by scratching she'll transfer it to the other ear so you should treat both. If you don't see improvement within a few days or notice foul odor, that may indicate infection and she should be seen by a vet.

Being nervous isn't a bad thing, just keep in mind it might cost you more in vet bills to have your vet reassure you.

There are a variety of ear cleaning products out there for use on dogs (your vet might even sell some), and regular cleaning isn't a bad thing, though some dogs tolerate it better than others. Doing a basic clean isn't likely to do harm (don't use the same qtip or cotton ball or what have you on both ears, switch them out just in case it is mites so you don't spread them), and might help, but definetly head for the vets if it starts to smell off, or doesn't go away, or even gets worse.

Also, if she starts having regular ear issues, even though you're cleaning she may be allergic to something in her environment or even food. Something to keep in mind but not nessecarly worry about for now.

Gracie is very prone to this brown, smelly ear wax with itching that made her paw at her ear and shake her head. This product completely prevents it. We use it weekly. She doesn't like it, but it works. I tried 2 ear cleaners from the vet, and they didn't do a dammed thing. Since using this for 2 years she hasn't gotten another ear problem, and she had so many before, it was terrible.

P.S. This stuff will clear any problem up (other than mites) if you catch it as soon as you notice a problem (a head shake or pawing at it, funny smell, and/or a little brown wax). Not sure how it does on clearing up a really bad problem because since having discovered it I use it preventatively, and we don't have any issues with her ears anymore. Gracie got a few red bumps from irritating her ear canal by scratching. She's never had mites.

ETA: If you're dealing with a problem, squirt some down the ear canal and massage from the outside (you should hear squishing). Then, take a drugstore absorbant cotton pad and sweep out as much brown gunk as you can without going too far into the canal.

As preventative care, drip about 5 drops down each canal, massage, and dry what you can in the outer ear with the cotton pad or paper towel. Use weekly and after any time the ears are immersed in water (swimming).

Thanks again! The vet wasn't so helpful. They asked how often I am doing a "deep clean" of my dog's ears. I haven't done one in the 7 weeks we've had her (please don't hate on that... I am a first time dog owner and boyfriend had dogs growing up that had no ear problems). They basically said to give it another night and then come in. We got some recommended cleaner drops tonight and started with that (we also bought the mite drops). She tolerated it well- she really lets us touch her ears and even hold her head, so that made the process easier. She hated the smell of the drops, so that got her freaked out a bit. We managed to release quite a bit of gunk, even through her just shaking her head, so we're hopeful that we'll all sleep tonight and we have solved the problem- clean the dog's ears more often!!! I'm hoping it is that simple :)

Sounds good! Sometimes these things clear up and don't return, especially where it's only in one ear, probably caused by some minor irritation ie: bug bite, abrasion from a tree/bush branch. Just check them once a week

teacher, I used the cleaners weekly from the vet until she kept getting problems, anyway. I highly recommend switching to the tea tree oil one. I wish we had much earlier, but I was a first time dog owner, too, and thought the vet would have the best.

I would listen to your vet. Only a vet that has examined or is familiar with your dog can make specific recommendations, sure, we can tell you what has worked for our pets but that doesn't mean it's the best choice for your dog.

Ear cleanser isn't a prescription doled out differently for different dogs. Vets carry one or two choices of ear cleansers for every dog they see. The tea tree oil cleanser prevents gunk and pre-infection issues better than the two OTC ones the vet sold me. There's absolutely no harm in using a more effective, just as gentle cleanser than the one the vet carries. And, yes, I asked.

Different dogs respond differently to different products. Starting out with the vet recommended ear cleaner is certinally a good idea, but if thats not working (and once infection has been ruled out) you sometimes have to do some exploring on your own to find something that'll work. And getting suggestions from other dog owners on whats worked for them is usually a reasonable place to start.

I might have to go find the tea tree oil stuff though, if only cause I like the smell of tea tree oil.....

Just wanted to throw in that if it were ear mites, the buildup in the ear would be very crumbly. If you're still not sure, get some of the gunk on a q-tip and smear it on a white piece of paper. If there are mites in there, you'll see them, or their specks of black waste.

Itchy ears and excess ear wax can sometimes be a sign of allergies. Allergies show up after about a year and a half, or if somethign in the dog's environment/food changes. So keep an eye on it for that.

this product specifically says it's for treating ear mites and ticks, and to only use it until the mites are gone. Are you sure it's safe to use on a preventative basis?

I just looked up the ingredients and it contains an organic pesticide. I don't think one should use a pesticide of any kind unless there are mites, fleas or ticks actually present. In this case, it sounds like there aren't.

I would listen to your vet. Only a vet that has examined or is familiar with your dog can make specific recommendations, sure, we can tell you what has worked for our pets but that doesn't mean it's the best choice for your dog.Posted by dog-lady

Excuse me but we're not in court! I have no obligation to answer your questions! PS: I think I'll give F. Lee Bailey a call for advice! He's in Maine now. He has the cutest Westie named "Boots". PFFFFT!!!